Telecom
NCC Removes 450 Illegal Signal Boosters, Reassigns Spectrum

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has removed over 450 illegal signal boosters deployed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Illegal signal boosters (also known as unauthorized, non-compliant, or rogue repeaters) are devices designed to amplify weak cell phone signals but are prohibited for use because they interfere with legitimate mobile network infrastructure, causing disruptions for others.
The NCC has also approved spectrum reassignments, socalled egulatory process of taking radio frequency spectrum that was previously assigned to one type of service or user and reallocating it for another, usually to support new technologies or more efficient usage.
All these are part of measures to improve telephone services in the country.
The NCC said its enforcement teams removed the illegal signal boosters across the FCT, noting that the devices degrade network quality in surrounding areas.
“Subsequent analysis indicates localised improvements in service quality, supported by crowd-sourced data, operator performance metrics and a decline in related consumer complaints.
“At least 70 network sites recorded measurable performance gains following booster removal. Engagements are ongoing with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to prevent further importation of the devices,” the NCC stated.
The telecom regulator said to enhance spectrum efficiency and service delivery, it approved a series of spectrum trades and reassignments, including the reallocation of approximately 50 MHz of previously underutilised spectrum for immediate network expansion.
These measures, it said, have resulted in demonstrable improvements in network performance, as reflected in independent monthly reports since September 2025.
“In particular, the reassignment of an additional contiguous 10 MHz to Globacom contributed to an increase in its average 4G download speeds from 9.5 Mbps to approximately 15 Mbps by November/December 2025.
In terms of telecom infrastructure protection, NCC revealed that the ongoing operationalisation of the CNII Executive Order.
The Commission said it has adopted a structured, multi-layered approach to the implementation of the CNIL Executive Order within the telecommunications sector.
“This includes enforcing minimum compliance standards for infrastructure deployment, conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, institutionalising mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism, and retaining enforcement as a necessary tool where required.
“In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Commission has convened engagements with the National Assembly, Judiciary, Federal Ministry of Works, State Attorneys-General, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, with plans to extend collaboration to State Ministries of Works,” it stated.
The Commission claimed that its mediation approach has led to successful interventions already recorded in Kogi, Bauchi, and Osun States.
The telecom regulator said it is currently collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Failed Airtime/Data Top-Ups and Consumer Refunds.
The NCC stressed that it’s working jointly with the Central Bank of Nigeria, mobile network operators and financial service providers to address issues relating to failed airtime and data recharge transactions.
“Through this collaborative framework, mechanisms for transaction tracing, dispute resolution, and timely consumer refunds are being formalised. The initiative has already facilitated refunds exceeding N10 billion to affected consumers, contributing to enhanced confidence in digital payment channels,” it stated.
The NCC said, in collaboration with a joint industry committee, it continued to implement the Smarter Data Management Consumer Awareness Campaign.
The Commission said the campaign focuses on promoting efficient data usage, conservation practices, and behavioural adjustments aimed at reducing passive data consumption linked to increasing network speeds and device capabilities.
“Since inception, the campaign has coincided with a noticeable reduction in data depletion-related complaints and will remain active through 2026. Campaign materials are disseminated across multiple media platforms and in major languages spoken nationwide,” it stated.
The NCC informed that to further strengthen spectrum optimisation, service quality, and long-term network planning, the Commission has developed Nigeria’s first structured Spectrum Roadmap for the communications sector.
Through the roadmap, the NCC said it sets out strategic direction on spectrum utilisation, future assignments, refarming initiatives and flexible access models to support expanding connectivity, emerging technologies and improved consumer experience. It will also enhance the Commission’s capacity to proactively monitor utilisation, address persistent underuse, and implement targeted regulatory interventions.
According to it, public consultation on the draft has been concluded, and approval and issuance are expected following the next meeting of the Commission’s board.
Telecom
Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.
IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.
“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.
MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.
The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.
The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.
Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.
In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.
Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.
MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.
Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.
“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.
The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.
Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.
“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.
Source: IT Web Africa
Telecom
ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.
He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.
Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.
The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.
“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.
“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.
He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.
He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.
He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”
Telecom
New Horizons Nigeria Commissions ICT Centre @Adeleke University to Boost Tech Skills

In a major boost to technology education and digital innovation in Nigeria, New Horizons Systems Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of the US-based global ICT training organization, New Horizons Worldwide, has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT facility at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State.

New Horizons Nigeria
The facility, named the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre, was constructed and donated to the university by New Horizons Nigeria as part of its commitment to equipping Nigerian universities with modern infrastructure capable of preparing students for global competitiveness in the digital economy.
The commissioning ceremony which held on Tuesday March 3rd, 2026 drew dignitaries from the university community, industry, and academia.
The event began on a vibrant note as cultural dancers from the university’s Theatre Arts Department entertained arriving guests with lively traditional performances.
The new ICT center represents another milestone in the long-standing partnership between New Horizons and Adeleke University, a collaboration that has spanned more than a decade.
Through the partnership, the institution has delivered project-based and certification-based ICT training programs, producing thousands of students with globally recognized digital skills and professional certifications across diverse technology disciplines.
Also, the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre features four fully equipped ICT studios with high-end computer systems, full air-conditioning, and seating capacity for over 750 users. The facility also includes modern conveniences intended to enhance digital learning and professional certification training.
The building was officially commissioned by Chief (Mrs) Modupe Adeleke Sanni, who represented the Chairman of the University Council, Chief Adedeji Adeleke.
In her remarks, she commended New Horizons Nigeria for its sustained investment in the university and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening the partnership in the years ahead.
Also speaking at the event was the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Professor Solomon A. Adebola, who praised the organization for its consistent contributions to the technological advancement of the institution and the empowerment of Nigerian youths through practical digital training.
Furthermore, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership and governing council for their support and enduring collaboration.
He reiterated the organization’s vision of equipping Nigerian universities with facilities and training that will enable students to compete effectively in the global technology ecosystem.
Mr. Akano further noted that New Horizons remains committed to driving innovation within Nigerian universities, with the long-term goal of enabling institutions like Adeleke University to generate research-driven technological solutions capable of attracting patent rights and global recognition.
New Horizons Nigeria, widely recognized as Africa’s largest ICT training organization, continues to strengthen its footprint in Nigeria’s digital education sector. In 2025, the institution received the prestigious Best ICT Training Company award from CompTIA in South Africa.
This further reinforce its leadership position within the continent’s technology training ecosystem. Also, as a franchise of New Horizons International, which operates in over 90 countries across six continents, the organization has consistently aligned with global best practices while addressing local capacity gaps. The organization currently provides ICT training services to more than 30 universities and nearly 200 high schools nationwide.
The center would be used for the training of high-end technical courses like Cyber Security, Web Development, Artificial intelligence, Full Stack, Graphics and CompTIA courses like Hardware, Network and Security Plus.
New Horizons have won about 350 national and international awards in the last 20 years of its operation and it trains over 100,000 students yearly across 27 universities and 150 secondary schools, as well as corporate organizations, government agencies and retail offices.
Students trained by New Horizons Nigeria are always well-sought after in the labour market after graduation and the certificate they obtain are recognized in all the 90 countries where New Horizons have offices.
In conclusion, the ceremony ended with an energetic cultural performance by the university’s theatre group from the Theatre Arts Department, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The commissioning of the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre further strengthens the collaboration between New Horizons and Adeleke University and is expected to deepen efforts toward producing highly skilled ICT professionals and innovators capable of contributing to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
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